The right thing to do

Like many people, I have had a stab at the budget calculator on a couple of websites. My family and I will be worse off after this budget. This will apply to a majority of individuals and families locally and across the country.

But I remain proud at the open, honest and coherent way in which the Government is dealing with the mess it has inherited. Some people will dislike this way forward but it is back to conviction policies and both the country and democracy will be better for it.

Times will be painful but this is “honesty before popularity” – just as I like it!